Choctaw Blackberry
The Choctaw blackberry is a high-quality variety developed by the University of Arkansas. It is well-regarded by home gardeners and commercial growers alike for its early ripening season and excellent fruit quality.
Physical Characteristics The plant features an erect growth habit, meaning it can grow upright without the need for extensive trellising, though some support can help manage heavy crops. The canes are thorny, which is a characteristic common to many traditional blackberry cultivars. It produces large, firm, and attractive berries that are known for having very small seeds.
Fruit and Flavor One of the standout features of this variety is its flavor. The berries are exceptionally sweet with a pleasant tang, making them ideal for eating fresh. Because the fruit is firm, it also holds up well during harvest and transport compared to softer varieties.
Growing Requirements The Choctaw blackberry thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It has a relatively low chilling requirement (around 400 to 500 hours), making it a suitable choice for southern climates where winters are milder. It is generally vigorous and shows good resistance to many common blackberry diseases, such as orange rust.
This variety is an excellent choice for those looking for an early-season harvest of flavorful, professional-quality fruit.
Plant Details
Quick Facts
- Botanical
- Rubus
- Type
- Floricane (thorned)
- Fruit Color
- Glossy black
- Fruit Taste
- Sweet, soft texture
- Thorns
- Thorned
Growing Conditions
- USDA Zones
- 5-9
- Sun Needs
- Full sun
- Soil pH
- 5.5-6.5
- Spacing
- 3-5 ft
- Mature Height
- 4-6 ft
Pollination & Care
- Self-Fertile
- Yes
- Pollination
- Self-fertile.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Data Confidence
- High
Harvest
- Season
- June - July
Growing Zones: 5–9
Hardy down to zone 5 (-20 to -10°F)
Match the shaded zones above to find your growing region. Source: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
How we ship
Most orders go out via UPS with a 2-3 day transit time to most of the continental U.S. Plants are shipped dormant in late winter / early spring, packed wet to protect the root systems, and bundled by variety so they're ready to plant on arrival.
Hawaii & Alaska orders
For HI and AK addresses we ship via USPS. The other major carriers either don't service these areas for live plants or charge prohibitive rates that would more than double the cost of your order. USPS gives us a reliable, affordable path to get plants to you in good condition.
Want UPS or FedEx anyway?
If you're in HI or AK and want to use UPS or FedEx and cover the upgraded shipping cost, reach out to us immediately after placing your order with your order number. We'll send you the available options and a quote, and you can pick what works for you.
Region overview
Continental U.S.
UPS Ground, 2-3 day transit. Free shipping on orders $100+.
Hawaii & Alaska
USPS Priority Mail. Reach out post-order if you want a UPS/FedEx upgrade quote.
Arrive-alive guarantee
Every order is backed by our 30-day arrive-alive guarantee. If a plant doesn't make it through transit, we'll replace it. Just send us a photo within 30 days of delivery.
Questions?
Call or text us at (720) 630-3715, or email support@fruitbushes.com. We answer within one business day.
